Externship Opportunities - California

Institution: California National Primate Research Center-University of California, Davis
Address: One Shields Avenue
City: Davis
State: California
State Abb: CA
Zip: 95616
Contact:  Kari Christe
Position (of contact): Senior Veterinarian, Assistant Clinical Professor
Phone: 530-752-2514
EMAIL:  klchriste@primate.ucdavis.edu
FAX:  530-752-2880
Clinical Experience (to be gained during program):  Intense clinical care of Rhesus Macaques, Cynomologus Macaques and Titi Monkeys.  Emphasis in emergency and intensive care medicine.
Research: Opportunities if externship is 6 weeks or more
Allied Institutions: Center for Comparative Medicine, Center for Laboratory Animal Sciences, University of California, Davis Veterinary School of Medicine
Responsibilities:
Duration: minimum 2 weeks
Application Requests: Cover Letter or Letter of Introduction, resume and 2 letters of recommendation and a copy of their academic transcript.
Application Deadline: None
Class Standing: N/A
Compensation: N/A
Housing:  limited free housing for those who schedule in advance

Institution: Los Angeles Zoo
Address: 5333 Zoo Drive
City: Los Angeles
State: California
State Abb: CA
Zip: 90027
Contact: Anne LaRose
Position (of contact): Clerical
Phone: (323)-644-6018: FAX: (323)-644-6070
Email:anne.larose@lacity.org 
Clinical Experience - Medical management of Zoo species/
Research - Clinical/literature research project presented in power point required during rotation.
Responsibilities - this rotation involves mostly observational and some hands-on opportunities depending on their level of experience.  Students will become familiar with capture and restraint, medical techniques and other clinical skills associated with a wide variety of species. Students will participate in daily rounds, monitoring anesthesia, performing necropsies, writing medical records, performing research as needed, administering treatments and assisting with general procedures. The student is expected to complete a project and/or case report and present their findings to the hospital and/or husbandry staff. Lastly, students are expected to attend various administrative meetings to provide a well rounded sense of the job responsibilities associated with being a zoo veterinarian. The student must work well with others. This program is designed to be self-directed - the more the student puts intoit, the more they will get out of it.
Duration: Four to Six weeks
Application Requests: Cover Letter or Letter of Introduction, resume and 2 letters of recommendation required to start process.  Additional Los Angeles Zoo paperwork will be emailed after student interest has been initiated.
Application Deadline: All year acceptance, with first come, first reserved. Strongly recommend applying at least one year in advance.
Housing: We highly recommend that you find your own housing (we cansuggest some motels that have provided us discounted rates). A free, small studio apartment with very limited conveniences is available uponrequest and pending availability.
Expenses: Students are responsible for all of their own expenses.
Transportation: Highly recommend that student have their own accessto a vehicle.
TB test/Vaccinations: TB negative test within the last 12 months.
Recommend tetanus vaccine within the last 5 years and rabiesvaccine/protective titer within last 2 years.

Last updated: 03/2008

Institution Name: San Diego Zoo
Address: Veterinary Services, 1354 Old Globe Way
City: San Diego
State: California
State Abb: CA
Zip: 92101

Contact: Ms. Donna Vader or Dr. Tracy Clippinger
Position (of contact): Administrative Assistant, SDZ Veterinary Services
Phone: 619 557-3932
EMAIL: DVader@sandiegozoo.org
FAX: 619 230 1256

Clinical Experience (to be gained during program):
-Students will have the opportunity to observe clinical zoo practice through rounds in a hospital and exhibit/grounds setting.  Students will accompany clinical veterinarians and will assist registered veterinary technicians.
-Students will have the opportunity to perform physical examinations on a wide variety of zoo animal species and to participate in procedures on a supervised basis to a variable degree dependent upon the medical situation, as well as, extern knowledge and competency.
-Students will be gain exposure to the Dan-inject and Telinject remote delivery immobilization systems, as well as, safety procedures associated with such.
Research: Students will be responsible for a project that investigates a clinical problem or evaluates past medical cases. A presentation of the topic with its findings to the veterinary and/or husbandry staff is expected.
Allied Institutions: San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, Institute for Conservation Research
Responsibilities: (1) recording information about observed cases in medical records utilizing the S.O.A.P. format, (2) monitoring restraint episodes and recording pertinent information anesthetic and physiologic parameters, (3) assisting registered veterinary technicians with routine treatments on hospitalized patients and other assigned tasks,  (4) preparing for upcoming procedures by familiarizing oneself with patients and techniques in advance,  (5) completing applicable reading assigned by clinicians, (6) completing a project and/or case report and making a presentation of the findings to the hospital and/or husbandry staff, and (7) regular attendance M-F  6:30AM - 5:30PM with possible weekends.
Duration: 4-8 weeks.  6 weeks preferred. Note January – July only.
Application Requests: Letter of intent, Curriculum Vitae, 3 References with full contact information (letters preferred), and available dates listed by preference. Applications will be evaluated on a competitive basis. Students will only be accepted for externships that occur during the months of January-July.
Application Deadline: September 15th of your third year in veterinary school.  Students will be notified of acceptance on or about October 5th of the application year.  Incomplete or post-deadline applications receive lower priority.
Class Standing:  Senior (clinical year) veterinary students with a demonstrated interest and aptitude for captive wildlife animal medicine.
Compensation: None.
Housing: Students must make their own housing arrangements while in San Diego.
Transportation: Students must provide their own transportation.
Insurance:  Students must have their own health insurance and must be covered for liability under the umbrella of their veterinary school.
Expenses: Students are responsible for all of their own expenses.
TB test/ Vaccinations: Students must have a negative tuberculin skin test or negative chest radiograph within 12 months of starting the externship.
International applicants: Qualified international candidates may apply. Students should have conversational and written English skills.
Miscellaneous: Students must sign a Release of Liability, Voluntary Assumption of Risk Indemnification and Waiver of claim agreement prior to the start of the externship. Overlap may occur for individual student externships.
Last updated:  08/2009

Institution: Wildlife Disease Laboratories, Zoological Society of San Diego
Address: PO Box 120551
City: San Diego
State: California
State Abb: CA
Zip: 92112-0551
Contact: Dr. Allan Pessier
Phone: 619-231-1515, Ext 4484
Email: pathology@sandiegozoo.org
Position (of contact): Associate Pathologist
Clinical Experience: The Wildlife Disease Laboratories of the
Zoological Society of San Diego offers student externship opportunities
for self-motivated, energetic, 3rd and 4th year veterinary students.
The Department runs a high volume diagnostic service with a caseload of
approximately 1800 necropsies, 360 surgical biopsies and 700 cytologies
per year.  The Department operates on a full-time basis 6 days a week
(Monday through Saturday) and provides emergency on-call service during
hours which fall outside the regular work days.  The externship program
offers an opportunity for students to gain exposure to the study of
diseases of exotic animals utilizing material from 2 collections of
exotic animals (San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park) and referral
material.  Externships are for a minimum time period of 3 weeks.
    Externships are similar to 4th year rotations.  Students will
spend the majority of their time performing necropsies and developing
gross descriptive skills.  There are also opportunities for study of
histologic sections, examination of clinical laboratory specimens
(including cytology), and research projects.  Students are expected to
participate in Department activities during standard work hours, Monday
through Saturday, and are encouraged to utilize facilities during
extended hours when staff are present.  Students will participate in
daily pathology rounds which focus on current case material.  Other
meetings include weekly rounds where we discuss interesting and
difficult cases with other pathologists from the area.  Monthly meetings
between pathologists, clinical veterinarians and animal care staff cover
collection health within the context of management.The externships focus
exclusively on pathology; there is no contact time with the clinical
veterinary staff.
Research: Research opportunities are available by prior arrangement and
are usually in conjunction with longer (6 weeks or greater) externships.
Allied Institutions:
Duration: Minimum 3 weeks
Application request: Throughout the year
Application Deadline: None at this time
Compensation: None
Housing: None. Must be arranged by student
Transportation: None.  Must be arranged by student.
Insurance: NA
Expenses: NA
Misc: Prior to arriving at the zoo students should have completed a
rotation in pathology (or similar experience) and be familiar with a
standard necropsy protocol
Class Standing: NA
Tb test/ Vaccinations: a negative tuberculin test within 1 year prior
to arrival and vaccination against rabies is recommended, but not
required

Last updated: 10/2009

Institution Name: San Diego Wild Animal Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd.
City:  Escondido
State:  California
StateAbb:  CA
Zip:  92027-7017
Contact:  Valerie Stoddard
Position of Contact:  Program Administrator
Phone:  760-291-5400
Email:  vstoddard@sandiegozoo.org
FAX:  760-747-3168
Clinical Experience (to be gained during program):  The WAP Clinical Medicine rotation will be an observational experience. Students will have the opportunity to participate in procedures on a limited basis but the degree of participation will vary.  Students will gain experience in conducting physical examinations on a variety of nondomestic species particularly hoofstock.  Students will be able to observe the anesthesia of captive wildlife under various conditions as well as a variety of capture and restraint methods.  Students will be exposed to the Daninject and Telinject remote delivery systems including dart and field procedure safety.  Students will gain experience in monitoring anesthesia.  Students may have the opportunity to collect blood samples and perform minor procedures such as endotracheal intubation and catheter placement.
Research:  N/A
Allied Institutions: Zoological Society of San Diego, San Diego Zoo, CRES
Responsibilities:  Students are encouraged to take notes, keep a daily activity log, and ask questions.  Students will be responsible for completing a project or case report and giving a presentation to the staff prior to successfully completing the externship. All topics must be approved in advance.  Students should assist the RVTs as needed.  Students should make good use of nonclinical time and are expected to read related materials and work on their project or case report when not involved with procedures.  A reading list will be provided.  Students should review medical records on cases before animal procedures or treatment modifications are performed if time allows.  Students should become familiar with field immobilization protocols and safety.  Each student will be assigned a primary mentor during their externship but should have the opportunity to work with all the clinical veterinarians. The resident will serve as the primary mentor unless otherwise specified.  The student should ask questions and initiate discussion when an unfamiliar disease, procedure, or species is encountered.
Duration:  Minimum of 4 weeks
Application Requests:  Curriculum vitae, contact information for 3 references, and a letter of intent including preferred dates. Students will only be accepted during the months of January-July.
Application Deadline:  September 1st of junior year.
Class Standing:  Senior veterinary students with a demonstrated interest and aptitude for nondomestic animal medicine.
Compensation:  None
Housing:  Students must make their own housing arrangements while in the San Diego area.
Transport: Students are responsible for their own transportation needs.
Insurance:  Proof of health insurance must be provided prior to first day of rotation.
Expenses:  Students are responsible for all their own expenses.
TB test / Vaccinations:  Proof of negative TB test or chest radiographs are required prior to first day of rotation.
Misc:  Upon acceptance to the SDWAP Externship Program, students will receive an e-mail with specific instructions and required documentation attached. Students must submit all required paperwork prior to first day of rotation to be eligible.
Last update: 6/2008

Institution: San Francisco Zoological Gardens
Address: One Zoo Road
City: San Francisco
State: California
Zip: 94132-1098
Contact: Ellen Williams, ellenw@sfzoo.org
Phone: (415) 753-7078
Clinical Experience: General Zoo Animals
Research: A small project would be required. A clinical case report or short research project which could be published.
Allied Institutions: California Marine Mammal Center, Steinhart Aquarium, Six Flags Marine World (arrangements can be made if interested to spend 1-2 days at any of these institutions)
Responsibilities: Responsible for assisting veterinary staff with acute care as well as health maintenance programs. Would also be involved in daily care rounds and treatments. Responsible for helping maintain accurate medical records. S.F. Zoo is involved in MedARKS a
Duration: Minimum 4 Weeks, up to 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Resume, 3 letters of reference
Compensation: Not available
Housing: Not available
Transportation: Not available, but San Francisco has a fairly good public transport system.
Insurance: Would be covered for work related injuries.
Expenses:
Misc:
Class Standing: Senior
Application Deadline:
Tb test/ Vaccinations: Neg. Tb test within 3 months of arrival
State Abb: CA
Last updated: 9/2009

Institution Name: SeaWorld San Diego
Click Here For Info
Last update: 11/2007

Institution Name: U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center
Address: Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Code D351, 53560 Hull Street
City: San Diego
State: California
State Abb: CA
Zip: 92152
Contact: Erika A. Putman
Position (of contact): Coordinator of Volunteer Opportunities
Phone: (619) 767-4100
EMAIL: nmmp_intern@spawar.navy.mil
FAX: (619) 553-2678
Clinical Experience (to be gained during program): Students are given the opportunity to observe and participate in all clinical activities, under the direction of the veterinary staff, as the situation permits. Student externs are given the unique opportunity to observe and contribute to the preventive medicine program that includes:

1.      Regularly scheduled comprehensive health assessments

2.      Nutrition and sanitation oversight

3.      Veterinary medical data management and specimen archives

4.      Support of animal transports

5.      Advanced Clinical Technologies development

See www.spawar.navy.mil/sandiego/technology/mammals for the full program description.
Research: Students are expected to select and complete a clinical project in marine mammal medicine while on-site.
Allied Institutions:
Responsibilities:
Duration: 4-6 weeks.  
Application Requests: www.spawar.navy.mil/sandiego/technology/mammals
Application Deadline:  October 1st
Class Standing:  Senior. Applicants must have proof of United States citizenship and be attending a veterinary college in the United States.
Compensation: none
Housing:
Transportation:
Insurance:
Expenses:
TB test/ Vaccinations:
Misc:
Last update:  1/2008

Institution Name: University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary
Medicine Companion Avian and Exotic Animal Externship
Address: Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, One Shields Ave
City: Davis
State: California
State Abb: CA
Zip:95616
Faculty: Dr. Michelle Hawkins DABVP (Avian) and Dr. Marilyn Koski
Position (of contact): Judy Wall, Program Coordinator
Phone: 1-530-752-1393
EMAIL: jawall@ucdavis.edu, (or mghawkins@ucdavis.edu)
FAX: 530-752-0414
Clinical Experience (to be gained during program): Exotic companion
animals and wildlife are all part of caseload
Research: multiple ongoing projects that may allow participation
Allied Institutions: CA Raptor Center, Woodleaf Outdoor School
Responsibilities: Assist in all aspects of patient medical and surgical
care in the hospital. Minimum 40 hrs/week.
Duration: 2 week blocks (more than 1 block may be requested)
Application Requests: Contact Judy Wall for availability and
registration information
Application Deadline: none
Class Standing: senior, final year
Compensation: none, but the Deans office will ensure that students
receive academic credit for their rotation
Housing: none, but Judy Wall can provide accommodation listing
Transportation: none, but local bus (incl university) services exist
Insurance: none
D(["mb","<br />Expenses:cost of living<br /><br />TB test/ Vaccinations: Current rabies, tetanus, TB test within past 6<br />months (or previous TB vaccination)<br /><br />Misc: Spaces on the clinical rotation are limited to 4 seniors per block<br />and Univ of CA students are given first priority. Other qualified<br />applicants will be given space on a first come/first serve basis.<br />Students should have conversational and written English skills.<br />Last updated: 11/2006<br /><br /><br /><br />--<br />Michelle Hawkins VMD Dipl. ABVP (Avian Practice)<br />Assistant Professor<br />Companion Avian and Exotic Animal Service<br />VM: Medicine and Epidemiology<br />2108 Tupper Hall<br />University of CA, Davis<br />Davis, CA 95616<br />530.752.1363 (ph)<br /><a onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\" href\u003d\"mailto:mghawkins@ucdavis.edu\">mghawkins@ucdavis.edu</a><br /></div>",0] ); D(["ce"]); // Expenses:cost of living
TB test/ Vaccinations: Current rabies, tetanus, TB test within past 6
months (or previous TB vaccination)
Misc: Spaces on the clinical rotation are limited to 4 seniors per block
and Univ of CA students are given first priority. Other qualified
applicants will be given space on a first come/first serve basis.
Students should have conversational and written English skills.
Last updated: 6/2008

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